Dear Seasoned Spade,
My neighbor just wrapped his arbor vitae in burlap for the winter, and now my spouse is giving me the side-eye for not doing the same. We live in Minnesota, so it gets colder than a brass doorknob in January. Is this really necessary, or is my neighbor just trying to win the neighborhood overachiever award?
Frozen and Confused in St. Paul
Why All the Wrapping?
Ah, winter in Minnesota—the time when people bundle up like marshmallows and your car gives you the cold shoulder every morning. But does your arbor vitae really need to join the ranks of the over-layered? In short, maybe.
Winter can be tough on evergreens, especially with our classic combo of biting winds, heavy snow, and that delightful freeze-thaw cycle that cracks more than just your patience. Arbor vitae, in particular, are prone to winter burn, which is when cold winds suck out all the moisture faster than a toddler with a juice box. If your tree is exposed to wind, salt spray, or heavy snow loads, wrapping could be a good idea—but if it’s nestled in a cozy spot, you might be off the hook.
Keeping Your Arbor Vitae Toasty (or Not)
If you decide to wrap, burlap is your best bet—think of it as a warm, breathable sweater rather than a suffocating plastic parka. Wrap loosely, allowing airflow to prevent mold and mildew from turning your tree into a science experiment.
For added protection, consider staking some burlap a few inches away from the tree instead of wrapping it tightly. This creates a wind barrier without the claustrophobia. Mulching around the base can also help insulate the roots and keep moisture levels steady—kind of like throwing an extra blanket on your bed.
Now, if your arbor vitae is already tough as nails and well-established, it might just laugh in the face of Old Man Winter. Younger or newly planted trees, though, could use the extra TLC while they get their roots sorted out. And for the record, no, spraying it with water to create an ice shield is not a good idea—unless you’re auditioning for an ice sculpting competition.
A Word of Encouragement
So, should you wrap? If your tree is in a high-wind area or near a salted roadway, go for it. If it’s sheltered and healthy, skip the burlap guilt trip and enjoy the view. Either way, just remember—winter is temporary, and so are your neighbor’s judgmental glances.
Seasonedly yours, The Seasoned Spade
